Chapter 38, Problem 15A

To determine

The meaning of the discrete energy levels of electrons in an atom.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The energy of an electron around the nucleus depends on the distance from the nucleus. The distance of different energy levels from the nucleus is different for every energy level.

The distance of the every energy level is different, so the energy for every energy level is also different. The energy levels for an electron in an atom are discrete, because energy required to move the electron between the different energy level is the multiple of energy of the one photon.

Conclusion:

The meaning of the discrete energy levels of electron in an atom is that the electron requires different energy for the movement between the different energy levels.